Kenny Hills Bistro KL, Four Seasons Place
Words: Amanda Chin
Photos: Richard Callahan
Within the confines of Kuala Lumpur’s concrete jungle, you’ll find Kenny Hills Bistro, a newly opened restaurant by Kai Zen (son of TH, the OG). Kenny Hills Bakers have the celebrated, well-earned rep for keeping up their pastry game, so you know the Bistro upgrade will also be on par. Beef Wellington? Kenny Hills Bistro has got you covered, along with a large array of other inviting options to choose from. From breakfast and brunch to dinner-only choices and their popular selection of sweet treats, their menu aims to please at all times of the day.
Kenny Hills Bistro KL Four Seasons Place
A short stroll from Four Seasons Place basement parking (get the lift to the ground floor and go past Leekaja Salon), you can easily find your way to this restaurant (you can also access it just footsteps ahead of the Four Seasons Hotel lobby, or hop across from KLCC). I instantly spotted Monica and Richard outside in the alfresco area, prepared for a feasting session. I love when eateries cater to outdoor and indoor seating preferences – we do live in the tropics, after all! Furthermore, the team are busy greening up the exterior with a border of lush potted plants. You get the best of both worlds here – city centre convenience and a spot of nature.
Not only was I enthusiastically greeted by Monica and Rich (both of whom I haven’t seen in a while), the staff were attentive and friendly, which is always the welcoming vibe you want.
I took a quick peek inside (I had to look at their pastry selection, of course) and admired the sleek interior – streamlined, comforting and warmly lit. Besides the baked goods counter, there’s a bar taking the central stage where Jimmy, the head bartender, was waiting to stir up some mischief for us. Kenny Hills Bistro KL also has a sommelier, Edwin, who graciously served us wines suiting our tastebuds to a tee, or grape varietal if you must (details below!). With alcohol and good food comes good feelings.
Kenny Hills Bistro Drinks Menu
Yes, to cocktails and yes to wine. We got Jimmy to shake us up some potions and serve some fermented grape goodness, too. First up was an Espresso Calamansi Cooler (RM18), a non-alcoholic beverage (you know, for balance). Just as the title suggests, it was a perfect refreshment for a tropical afternoon outside.
There’s a good range of craft cocktails, too. We can recommend the Tropic Thunder (RM45), with vodka, Aperol, lime, pineapple and passionfruit. My preference is for fruity cocktails, and this one really hit the spot because it was an adequate amount of sweet with a zing of freshness. Continuing the line of reviving bevvies, we moved on to a Hernö Old Tom Gin (RM45) and tonic. Anyone who loves a classic G&T will appreciate this drink.
What about the wines, you ask? Worth it. The house white, Ciello Bianco (RM32), is a natural white wine that revolves around zestiness and citrusy hints from the Catarratto grape. We also enjoyed a glass of Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc (RM45) with the mouthwatering tortellini, a world-class wine from the exceptional terroir of New Zealand. Our last wine, to accompany our final main (which you’ll read all about below), was the Ciello Rosso (RM32). The Nero d’Avola was the perfect companion to the succulent lamb dish.
Kenny Hills Bistro KL Food Menu
Can we skip to the good part? With empty stomachs, Monica, Richard and I were ready to begin our consumption of flavourful nourishment. With a promising look at the menu (which, by the way, was a big one-pager – win!), it was basically a big yes from us to every single thing we got on our table.
Vegetarians rejoice because our first dish – the Wild Mushrooms & Burrata (RM38) – was to die for. Served with organic toast, chilli oil, pecorino and porcini powder, it was a power-packing punch to our hungry palates. The fried kampung egg topped it off to make it a wholesome plate.
On a roll with the mushroom foraging, our next serve was the Caramelised Onion Tarte Tatin (RM38). What made the tasty mushrooms stand out was the pastry base because you know Kenny Hills do it all in-house, and when it’s crispy but filling and airy at the same time, it blows your mind.
Do you get crabby, or do you like crab? I’m a bit of both, and with that, the Crab & Leek Gratin (RM68) was a real game-changer. I could tell there was a bit of spice going on with wonderful crabby flavour underneath the hot, crispy crust. In fact, chives, lemon and chilli flakes also season the dish served with toasted baguette. My verdict? Fantastic. With our expectations already flying through the roof, we eagerly prepared for the next dish.
Salad, but make it crabby. The Crab & Pink Grapefruit Salad (RM58) was the salad I never knew I needed in my life. I’m not a huge fan of mayonnaise, but the fact that this dish incorporated it in a truffle manner really made me convert. The grapefruit was a great pairing with the crab. Along with the avocado and mesclun, this plate made me feel like I was on holiday somewhere in the Mediterranean, soaking in sunshine and flavours.
Pasta makes you fun fasta. Don’t quote me on that, but the Spinach & Ricotta-Filled Tortellini (RM48) did indeed make my mouth water. This delicious and garlicky dish is a great portion for one and will have you absolutely satisfied. Our last main of the day was the Slow Roasted Milk-Fed Lamb Leg (RM88). It was an exceptional end to our savoury journey. The honey carrots, anchovy puree, mash and peas combined to make it a knockout dish.
Sweets
If you know me by now, you should know I love my sugar, and Kenny Hills Bakers and Bistro both got my back on this. For my sweet fix, our first dessert was the Sticky Toffee Pudding (RM28) which had a shot of rum in it (add on RM 15). Although the rum was a bit too strong for me, the toffee sauce and vanilla bean custard had me salivating. We couldn’t resist also choosing something from the pastry counter, and the vibrant colours of the Raspberry Tart won us over. Long-time fans of Kenny Hills will be pleased to know that some of their classics are still available here such as the salted caramel apple cheesecake and the highly-Instagrammed Peach Strudel, alongside some several creations worth drooling over.
May The Forks Be With You
To eat at Kenny Hills Bistro KL, you’ll need an empty stomach because you’ll want to try everything! With a big menu of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options, you can come to satisfy your cravings any time of the day. Plus, alcohol makes the world go round, so we’ll be waiting to hear from Kenny Hills Bistro KL for upcoming brunches.
To further add, this menu might get updated since it’s just the soft launch one but already very promising. We also heard that the bistro is waiting on their license to open till 1 a.m., not only for drinks but for food, too! Winning.
Reasons to visit Kenny Hills Bistro KL: their famed pastries and bread, the very attentive staff, the alfresco dining area, the cocktail bar and a top food menu to please just about anyone and everyone! I will definitely be heading back there armed with a group of friends just so I can try the other dishes (really eyeing the 10-Hour French Onion Soup RM39 and the Seared Foie Gras, Caramelised Apples & Seville Orange Compote RM88) and load myself up with the pastries.
Kenny Hills Bistro KL
Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, G-07 (B)
Ground Floor, 145, Jalan Ampang
Instagram @kennyhillsbistro
· Pork-free
Kenny Hills Bistro KL Opening Hours
Daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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My go-to place at Four Seasons is actually the food court down stairs. hehe.
Went for dinner on 27th Nov 22. Had attentive , friendly and cheerful waiters. Kudos to Mr Remy, Mr Boy and Ms Angel for a wonderful service. The beef wellington and scallop dish were delicious. Will definitely be back next time.